This article is not just about what a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is and how it works, this article is really about why you should buy one for yourself or for someone you care about if anyone spends time in the backcountry or any place that is remote or hard to reach. If you break a leg in the middle of town, grit your teeth and hang on. Help will arrive shortly.
A climber is rescued because he had a PLB. Photo Courtesy: Fast Find PLBs
If you do the same thing three miles from the closest road and don’t have cell service, you may be in serious trouble, especially if you are alone.
What is a PLB?
A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is a small portable transmitter that is capable of sending a 406 MHz distress signal that can be received by the Search And Rescue Satellite-aided Tracking system (COSPAS-SARSAT). In the U.S., the system is run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). COSPAS is the Russian contribution to the system. The PLB also simultaneously transmits on the local Search and Rescue (SAR) frequency (121.5MHz).
International Search and Rescue System
The system was organized by four main parties (Canada, France, Russia and U.S.A) in 1982. The space assets currently include eight Low-Earth Orbiting Search And Rescue (LEOSAR) Satellites (6 NOAA and 2 Russian) and eight (6 active, 2 on Standby) Geostationary Orbiting Search And Rescue (GEOSAR) Satellites. 43 countries are involved with supplying ground facilities, and the world-wide system includes 30 MMCs (Mission Control Centers, 58 LEOLUTs (Low-Earth Orbiting Local Users Terminals) and 20 GEOLUTs (Geostationary Orbiting Local Users Terminals).
How the Search and Rescue System Works with Your PLB
When a distress signal is sent from your PLB, the SARSAT satellites detect and locate the source of the signal. The signal is relayed to the closest of 30 Mission Control Centers around the Earth. In the U.S., the Mission Control Center (USMCC) is in Suitland, Maryland and signals originating from land are then routed to the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. Local Search and Rescue is then contacted. Signals from the Ocean are routed to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Dedicated Search and Rescue Satellites
The stationary GEOSAR satellites positioned over the equator provide continual coverage of the Earth between 70° North and 70° South and can detect distress signals almost instantaneously. They can not be used to determine location, but they can receive location data if the PLB is transmitting GPS location. The entire continental U.S, Mexico and most of Canada is continually covered by two GEOSAR satellites (GOES13 & 15). Alaska is covered by GOES 16. Many areas of the earth are covered by three or four GEOSAR satellites. Three properly spaced GEOSAR satellites could cover the entire earth between 70° North and 70° South, so there are more than enough to do the job. There are additional satellites and new technology planned to improve the system in the near future (U.S. DASS and European Galileo).
LEOSAR satellites are constantly orbiting the earth from pole to pole every 101-105 minutes and can view an area of about 6,000 km at a time, so the entire globe is covered about twice per day by each satellite, but there may be short time gaps without coverage. The moving LEOSAR satellites are able to determine signal location by measuring the Doppler frequency shift of incoming signals. LEOSAR satellites are capable of receiving signals from the polar regions that are not covered by GEOSAR satellites.
By combining orbiting and geostationary satellites, the entire earth is covered. Distress signals can be detected almost immediately for most areas of the earth and location can be determined for most signals after about 45 minutes period of time. See our post on Worst Case Scenario PLB Testing – PLB Test in Slot Canyons at Zion NP (publishing shortly).
About PLBs
Since their approval in 2003, like all new electronic devices, PLBs have gotten smaller and less expensive, to the point that cost can’t be used as an excuse not to buy one. PLBs with GPS ability transmit the GPS location and the registered serial number identifying the owner along with the distress signal, so if the unit has an unobstructed view of the sky, location is detected to within about 100 yards in a few minutes. For units without GPS, or when a GPS data can not be collected, the location is determined using Doppler technology from the signal source to the satellites. If the PLB has an unobstructed view of the sky, depending upon the current location of all satellites, this process can take anywhere between 10 minutes to about 45 minutes for a location within two miles of the PLB. If the PLB is in a location such as a deep canyon, where much of the sky is blocked, this process may take more than 12 hours.
My “Wish I had a PLB” Story
Two years ago, my brother, his wife and daughter came to visit. We rented snow machines and were riding on well traveled and maintained trails. We stayed on the main trails and rode through the aspen for about an hour until we got out into some un-tracked powder in an open area and started playing around. It didn’t take long until my niece crested a hill too fast and bailed off the machine before it crashed into the creek. There was a little damage to the snow machine, but my niece had broken her femur (thigh bone).
My niece broke her femur, we had no cell service & no PLB. It took 20 minutes on snow machine to get to a land line to contact 911.
I wasn’t surprise we didn’t have cell service and since I was the only one that knew the area, I had to go get help. I had to guess that the fastest way to find help was in the direction of a USFS visitor’s center, an RV parking area and a main road that was about 15-20 minutes away by snow machine. The lodge was in the opposite direction about 45-50 minutes away. I did not have a PLB then. If I did, I would have activated it and left it pinging away with my brother and then gone for help.
There was not a single person in the RV parking area. My next option, the visitor’s center was closed and the pay phone in the parking lot was not working and still no cell service. That is a sickening feeling knowing that she was waiting on me to call for help as fast as possible and I was striking out. I started down the snow covered road to the main highway about a mile away when I noticed the snow had been recently plowed at some nearby USFS buildings. Luckily, there was someone there with a phone that worked and I was able to contact 911 about 20 minutes after the accident. That is about 19 minutes slower than a PLB could have called for help.
While I was waiting beside the road to direct SAR to the site, I got lucky again. A search and rescue vehicle just happened to drive down the road. Why had he not been contacted by 911? Because he was from out of state and was working as an advisor for a movie being filmed in the area. I flagged him down and took him back to my niece on the snow machine in less than an hour after the accident. He had a SAR radio and GPS and was able to talk directly to dispatch and directed a helicopter to the location. She was lucky that the fracture had not punctured any blood vessels. She was young and healed quickly and lucky again that both legs are the same length, but she will trigger metal detectors the rest of her life.
I vowed that I would never be so helpless and have to depend so much on luck if I was ever involved in an emergency situation like that again.
What a PLB is Not
PLBs are meant for Emergencies only. They are not to be used to call home for someone to bring a gallon of gas for the truck, a 12-pack and ice for the cooler or to bring the horses to pack out the elk.
A PLB is not an avalanche beacon. Several years ago, the Rocky Mountain Rescue Group based in Boulder Colorado had responded to nine distress signals from the same PLB (unregistered) at various places. Each time the beacon was turned off before they could find the person. But finally, the goofball forgot to turn off the signal and he was tracked down in a found waiting in a Boulder doctor’s office. The PLB had been given to him as a gift and he assumed it was an avalanche beacon and was using it (incorrectly) as such.
PLBs are not substitutes for Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT) used in aircraft or Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) used by ships which can be triggered manually or automatically in emergencies such as a plane crash or when a ship sinks.
1-800-851-3051 is the number to report accidental activation of PLBs in U.S. If you already have a PLB, jot this number down in case you trigger your PLB by mistake.
PLBs Must be Registered
There seem to be a lot distress signals from unregistered PLBs. No one is sure why, perhaps people are testing or just playing with them.
We also need to make sure we follow directions when testing PLBs, so false signals are not sent.
For this technology to continue to work to save people in real distress, we must not waste the time and resources of SAR. PLBs must be registered and accidental activations must be reported.
If you have not registered your PLB, click here and register. It is easy and it is free.
http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov/
Peace of Mind with PLB – Outdoor Recreation Insurance
Recently, my wife and I were watching the Mountain Men TV show on the History Channel. Tom Oar was out setting beaver traps in Northern Montana and his wife was worried because it was late in the day and he hadn’t come home. She called a friend, who then spent two hours tracking him in the snow to see if he was O.K. He was perfectly fine and just out enjoying the day.
Nice to have friends like that. First thing my wife said was ” if he had a PLB, they wouldn’t have to worry so much”. Since this was on a TV show I know in reality, he had at least one camera man with him, but it is a good demonstration of why many of us need a PLB. How many times have we seen the pilots of Flying Wild Alaska on the Discovery Channel looking for people that were lost in the Alaskan Wilderness without a PLB?
In the last few years, I can think of at least 5 people that have died or gone missing near here and three others that suffered horrendous conditions until they were rescued. I suspect that the deaths could have been prevented, the missing would have been found and the suffering would have been much less if these people had PLBs.
No More Excuses Not to Have a PLB
With the price of PLB with GPS around $250 there is no excuse for any person that spends time in any remote area not to have one.
Before you buy another gun, another bow, another boat or any other toy, you should buy a PLB.
Who is most likely to really need a PLB? Young men. Who is likely to be the last people to spend their hard earned money on a PLB? Young men, especially those with families, but just like life insurance, they are the people that most need it.
If you know someone that hunts, hikes or camps in remote areas, buy one for them for their Birthday, Christmas or just because it’s hunting season and for your peace of mind if nothing else.
You can read more about how the system works by visiting cospas-sarsat.org
Next read our PLB Comparison Review of ACR and McMurdo personal locator beacons.
Question: Have you or someone you know been in a situation where they wished they had a PLB?
I am planning an extended RV camping trip into Baja California. Would carrying a PLB be an effective safety measure for me?
Good question Lawrence.
All PLB signals are picked up by the SARSAT system and routed to the Mission Control Center in Maryland (USA) by U.S military personnel. They will contact the local SAR units. The Mexican Navy would respond if you were on water, but there is little information available for who is responsible for land rescue in Baja. I know Baja has SAR, because I found a record where they responded to an emergency call via a SPOT device and transported a man to the hospital. Also see one of my posts (Part One) on SPOT and Delorme messengers”
The PLB is the best way to make sure an emergency message is received, but the private service messengers (SPOT and Delorme) offer limited text messaging for a fee.
I notice the Fast Find PLB is on sale right now for $201. That deal is almost too good to pass up.
But I am not sure I can answer your question about it being an effective safety measure in Baja, because there is little information about the response teams. But I would definitely take one. And make sure you register it.
Have a safe journey.
I received this email as feedback to my DIY Elk Hunting Guide. Good advice from a SAR Professional.
Hi again Dan.
I’ve enjoyed reading your book. I have one suggestion for your section on safety.
PLBs are indeed fantastic, but as a National SAR School grad and SAR Coordinator I would add two tiny, lite items – a whistle and a signal mirror. These are items that can reach out and touch someone who may not even be looking for you.
In the woods the whistle requires limited energy for a significant reach and extended duration. Anyone passing within ear shot will pick up on patterned whistling.
My experience in SAR was maritime where the mirror dominates, but I remember the land phase of school in discussing signalling aircraft. It stuck in my little noggin because I was a Naval Flight Officer at the time.
The difficulties of searching over forest cover really hit home. Guys on the ground can’t see much better than we can in even a helo. Thus the whistle.
Good job,
Le
This was very helpful.
Another recent (12/27/2016) survival situation could have been avoided if the people had a PLB.
A family from Pennsylvania was trying to reach the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Access to the North Rim can be very difficult during the Winter, so roads and visitor centers are closed. The family admitted they didn’t do much research (1st mistake).
They got their rental car stuck in the snow after they ignored road signs and followed the car’s GPS onto closed roads (2nd mistake).
And of course, they could not call for help with their cell phone. Everyone should expect cell coverage to be spotty in many areas of the West, but many visitors do not know this.
The woman walked one direction (3rd mistake) and later her husband and son walked in the other direction and reached higher ground where they were able to call for help.
They did not tell anyone where they were going or when they would be back (4th mistake).
After walking 26 miles in about 30 hours, the woman found a Forest Service Guard shack. She broke into the building and spent the night in the unheated building. She was rescued the next day when searches found her.
They were all lucky to survive. The woman is still waiting to see if she will lose toes from frostbite.
PLBs are made for those that camp, hunt and hike in the backcountry, but many people find themselves in survival situations when they get stuck in the snow in rural areas. (See more examples here)
Get a PLB, register it and take it everywhere you go (see PLBs here).
If this family had a PLB, they would have been back at their hotel before dark instead of risking their lives.
Read more about the story here
I go out a few times a month and I really am taking this into strong consideration especially with some close calls where I end up over adventuring and need to climb down stuff or do small rock hops that can potentially lead to broken ankles or something of the matter. This is next on my list especially being in Arizona where the heat is hell and mountains are rigorous.
Yes Dave, but what’s to consider? You should always have a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) when in that type of country.
A friend broke an ankle while in a wilderness area when he jumped from one rock to another. I didn’t have a PLB when I needed it, but now the PLB is always in my pack.
Think of it this way… It’s the cheapest insurance policy you can buy. Insurance that someone will know you need help and they will know where to find you. Help will be on the way.
And PLBs aren’t that expensive and there is no subscription service to pay for. The SARSAT (Search and Rescue) satellites system is paid for by the Canadian, French, USA and Russian governments. The PLB is your way of sending a signal to the satellites. Check out these PLBs.
Where can I buy a PLB device? I fish In Rocky Mt. Broke my leg in 2017… Wish I had this device with me then.
I know what you mean. Best place to get this online is at Amazon.
Several options to choose from (click here to see PLBs).
Glad you survived your ordeal.
Tight lines.
Thank you for this great article filled with useful information! Just got my daughter a PLB recently – confirmed my decision. I really appreciate this info. One correction you might want to make.. “who needs it most? Young men.” Have to say I was kind of surprised at that. As a woman who has backpacked extensively, is a fly fisher, hunted as a young person, and with a 20 year old daughter, who now backpacks extensively, I suspect the answer to that should be revamped to “anyone who enjoys the wilderness.” Thanks again for that information filled piece.
Thanks Lisa and you are correct. Anybody that goes into hard to reach areas should have a PLB. I was just going by the statistics, but I also see more and more young ladies doing things on their own. Are they more likely to by a PLB for themselves? I don’t know. Anyway, you did the right thing by getting one for your daughter. I am sure that gives you some piece of mind. And let’s hope she never has to use it.
Just heard a new story where a Oregon man was stranded in the snow on a Forest Service road for 5 days and all anyone can talk about is he survived by eating three Taco Bell sauce packs.
The news people I watched joked about making sure they had lots of sauce packs next time they went out. Not only no, but hell no! Why can’t they be serious and give useful information?
People know about Avalanche Beacons, but still do not know about Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) specifically designed to send an SOS from anywhere on the planet.
Jeremy Taylor, who is described as an avid outdoorsman, got stuck on the Forest Service road and he and his dog had to spend one night in his car. They tried walking out the next day, but the snow was too deep and they returned to the car.
They were rescued after they were eventually found by a person on a snowmobile who went back and called search and rescue…
If he had a PLB, search and rescue would have been notified within a few minutes and would have been rescued within a few hours.
PLBs are for everyone that spend time in areas that don’t have continuous cell phone coverage and that includes driving. This is not the first time people in a vehicle (on a road) got stuck and either died or were extremely lucky they were rescued.
I purchased a personal locator beacon for my Daughter and have it registered in her name. My question is, can I use it even though it’s in her name or do I have to reregister it in my name when I need to use it ?
No, leave the registration in one person’s name. What usually happens when a rescue signal is sent out, is Search and Rescue will call the number on the registration to try to verify an emergency. So many people are using them without registration, they need to do this before launching a full scale mission.
My wife and I have wondered how much time that would waste, because many times we are together and nobody would be home to answer the phone.
If you are using your daughter’s PLB and get into trouble, she would get the phone call and could verify you where you were going and when you would be back.
Be safe out there.
Why would you go on horseback and risk the horses also being attacked. Defiantly would shoot a bear, moose, elk , cougar or any animal , if threatened
On Search and Rescue In Baja California
The short answer is yes, do bring it and do use it. One of the main tasks of the Mexican Army is Search and Rescue. There exist a number of bases in the area and they are trained for the specific territory that they cover. They also work in close collaboration with the American Army, NORAD, FAA, etc.
They have rescued many people successfully and the PLB is definitely a good idea. However as good as the Mexican Search and Rescue Divisions are, they are understaffed, under equipped and the whole narco war situation has them short handed. Search and Rescue will happen, just not with the speed and efficiency of the American counterparts.
If you are an American, the American Search and Rescue people can contact them upon becoming activation or vice versa. So collaboration or an American Team responding is definitely a possibility. Depending upon the conditions at the time.
But the best advice is to carry it and a prepurchased or homemade good survival kit with you because it is likely you will need it. You can also do a first aide certification class at many community colleges, red cross centers, fire departments or many hospitals accross the USA for not a lot of money or time. Having at least one person trained on first aide is invaluable for such a trip.
I cannot stress enough the importance of a complete, but portable emergency survival kit. (This would be a personal one and in addition to the RV survival kit) Ideally each person to carry one in their person, but at least one person with it, can make the difference between life and death. Things to carry.
A few You tube videos show how to use mylar blankets, or even ponchos or sturdy large trash bags to make temporary shelters, watch a few, because shelter is always the first
priority. And carry something like this.
1st aide kit with antiallergy medication (even if no one has allergies currently, allergies can spontaneously surface, specially in unfamiliar environments) aspirin for heart attacks or stroke, gauze, antibiotic ointment. Bug bite salves etc.
Fire starter and a basic knowledge for starting and maintaining a fire in survival situations. (Different from a camp fire)
As much water as you can carry, minimum a quart, but a gallon is better. + a way to collect and sanitize water.
A mylar bag from a family size bag of chips once helped me to both collect and boil water. Not ideal by any means but in a pinch… The same bag could be used to collect edibles, cook some food, set up traps, fish, protect your head from sun burn, etc. Still, I wish I had pack the proper silicone collection bags.
I definitely have been impressed with some emergency/survival kits on sale. Foods, very light and nutritious best. Dark chocolate is a standard for emergency kits, a bit of honey, protein or cereal bars. dehydrated pulses, sea weed, even ramen soups. sugar cubes or candy are common.
A signaling kit with signaling mirror, a lense, a visibility vest, etc. At least one of these and a loud whistle (to help fend off wild life, too)
Many more items, but these are definitely essential. As well as some knowledge of what to do in what situation, printed concisely and water protected (zip lock) In an emergency or shock situation you may not be able to relay on your memory.
Many of those will come with a good quality survival kit in Amazon or sporting goods stores. Small printed booklets with terrain specific survival strategies are not too expensive on Amazon, Alibris, etc or you can put one together and print it, from online material.
In short, a PLB is helpful anywhere in the Mexican territory, but the more remote the location, the longer you can expect it to be. The better your preperation the higher the chances of survival.
Enjoy your trip.
Best of luck